Holland America Debuts New Alaska Experiences in 2024

Holland America Debuts New Alaska Experiences in 2024

Guests traveling to Alaska this year will be happy to learn that Holland America is debuting several new Alaska experiences for the 2024 cruise season. The cruise line is debuting “Glacier Day” on its Alaska cruises as it rolls out new programming within its “We Love Alaska” onboard experience.

The new offerings include Alaska Up Close presentations as well as culinary and beverage experiences, giving guests a deeper appreciation for the people, history, and culture of the state. The 2024 season kicks off April 27 from Vancouver and May 4 from Seattle. 

“Holland America Line continues to focus on bringing regional and local experiences on board every cruise, with our Alaska sailings leading the way in authentic programming, localized cuisine, and now special events like ‘Glacier Day’,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer of Holland America Line. “We continue to cultivate like-minded partnerships and fine-tune everything from cocktails to wildlife maps to ensure our guests are completely immersed in all facets of Alaska.”

2024 Alaska Itineraries and Cruisetours

Through Sept. 2024, guests can embark on Holland America Line’s Alaska cruises and Cruisetours from Vancouver and Seattle on six ships. The ships sailing the region are Eurodam, Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam, Westerdam, and Zaandam. In addition to seven-day itineraries, guests can take longer 14-day cruises and a new 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice Legendary Voyage that includes 12 Alaska ports.

Cruisetours range from nine to 18 days and include a one-, two- or three-day visit to Denali National Park. Select Cruisetours also include a journey into Canada’s Yukon. HAL remains the only cruise line that offers overland tours to the Yukon with an Alaska cruise and Denali experience.

‘Glacier Day’ Puts a Spotlight on Alaska’s Majestic Glaciers

As a leader in Alaska cruising, Holland America offers more glacier experiences than any other cruise line. The new Glacier Day includes sighting times, scenic commentary, presentations, informational viewing stations, photo opportunities, and more. Guests can also enjoy Dutch Pea Soup on deck, Glacier Ice cocktails, insightful talks by Park Rangers and Huna cultural interpreters, and an open bow for viewing.

Every Alaska cruise includes a visit to one or more of Alaska’s iconic glacier destinations. These include Glacier Bay National Park, Hubbard Glacier, Dawes Glacier, and the Twin Sawyer Glaciers of Tracy Arm. Shore excursions also offer the opportunity to visit additional glaciers, including Mendenhall and Portage glaciers.

Serving Fresh Fish in Alaska

Holland America continues to build on its groundbreaking Global Fresh Fish program. The cruise line delivers sourced fresh fish from port to plate in less than 48 hours. In addition to the seafood and other local delicacies served on the menus, ships in Alaska will serve three exclusive dishes created by the brand’s Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto. These include Fresh Black Cod Yuzu, Morimoto Epice Lobster, and Fresh Halibut XO.

Additionally, a new Alaska Seafood Boil will be offered once per cruise in Lido Market for a surcharge. The foodie feast will serve Ivar’s Northwest-Style Clam Chowder, Dungeness Cruise Clusters, Alaska Salmon, Penn Cove Clams, Penn Cove Mussels, and a Shrimp Bucket, with Triple Berry Crisp and vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Offered once per cruise, Alaska Brunch in the Dining Room features dishes with fresh, local Alaskan and Pacific Northwest ingredients. The selections range from sweet to savory. Dishes include Alaskan Blueberry Pancakes, Salmon & Potato Chowder, Wild Forest Mushroom and Tarragon Crepes, Kodiak Steak and Egg Skillet, Crab and Hot Smoked Salmon Cakes, Biscuits with Gravy and Alaskan Reindeer Sausage, and Home Smoked Gulf of Alaska Cod Benny.

Bartender Sam Ross Creates Alaska Cocktails

Acclaimed bartender Sam Ross created a menu of exclusive cocktails to be featured in the bars on all Alaska ships. These featured drinks are Juneau AK, Klondiker, PNW Penicillin, Mosquito, Midnight Sun, and Frontier Champagne Flip.

Ross was the 2011 “U.S. Bartender of the Year” and his flagship bar, Attaboy, won the 2022 award for “Best Bar in the U.S.” by The World’s 50 Best Bars. Ross is credited with creating two of the most famous modern classic cocktails: Penicillin and Paper Plane.

New Exclusive ‘Killer Whale Pale Ale’ Available Onboard

Holland America is debuting a new “Killer Whale Pale Ale” on all Alaska cruises. The beer was produced in collaboration with Pike Brewing – Seattle’s oldest craft brewery. It features notes of honey, citrus, and tropical fruits.

Native Artist Rico Worl, a member of the Tlingit and Athabascan community, created the label artwork. He also designed the Native artwork featured on the Alaska menus. The Killer Whale Pale Ale label represents the food chain in the Pacific Northwest, with a seal maneuvering out of the grasp of a killer whale.

More Wildlife Viewing than Any Other Cruise Line

Alaska is synonymous with stunning wilderness, and Holland America offers more ways to see wildlife in its natural habitat. Alaska ships carry an expert on board to help guests witness the majestic animals found in the region. And a Wildlife Spotting Guide points out the native animals found along the cruise route with a map of the best places to see each species.

Ashore, Holland America Line offers nearly 180 shore excursions to see species of all kinds.

On Deck for a Cause Continues to Support Alaska’s Parks

Holland America will continue to donate proceeds from its “On Deck for a Cause” charitable event to Alaska Geographic, the nonprofit education partner of Alaska’s parks, forests, refuges and conservation lands.

Guests on Alaska cruises can donate $25 to participate in the noncompetitive 5K walk, “On Deck for a Cause: Alaska’s Parks”. Funds raised will go to support education, science, and research in Alaska’s parks. The 2023 Alaska season raised more than $100,000 for Alaska Geographic.

Standby Program Offers Reduced Rates for Seattle and Vancouver Cruises

Guests with easy access to Seattle or Vancouver have an opportunity to cruise to Alaska at a reduced rate of $49 per person, per day with the new Standby program.

Travelers who sign up for a cruise will receive notification between seven and two days before departure if they will be sailing. Solo cruisers also only pay $49 per day and do not incur a single supplement for a double stateroom.

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